A Dallas Cowboys roster reconstruction masterclass. Owner Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have completely reshaped the franchise over the last two years, and now they have traded for star cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
The Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer in 2025; traded for George Pickens, who then had a career year; and traded defensive stalwart Micah Parsons for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. They used that newfound draft capital to help land All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams.
Matt Eberflus was kicked to the curb while Christian Parker came in as Defensive Coordinator in 2026. The Cowboys then traded for Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary and added Safety Jalen Thompson and Cornerback Cobie Durant. The team re-signed running back Javonte Williams, franchise-tagged Pickens, and extended All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey while drafting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round.
The Cowboys landed CB Porter Jr. in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Dallas sent a second-round pick and a conditional sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh, and isn’t planning an immediate extension, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Dallas’ shopping trip in Pittsburgh netted them more true gold. His career statistics are 165 tackles, 31 pass deflections, and three interceptions. Pickens, Porter Jr., and Offensive tackle Broderick Jones are three former Steelers players who now play for the Cowboys.
The need explains the gamble for Porter Jr.: they are 1-2, and their secondary is banged up, including injuries to Durant and Shavon Revel Jr. He brings a proven starter, though the real bill might come later: Pittsburgh and the player couldn’t agree on an extension.
Dallas buys immediate talent and inherits the conversation the Steelers left on the table. Jerry wanted defensive impact and got it; now the question is how long it’ll last.
Porter Jr.’s reception percentage was 48.3% (5th) and he allowed 299 yards (8th). His 14 forced incompletions tied for 6th, and his 56.2 passer rating ranked second; his 55.7 passer rating in man coverage ranked 7th, and his 48.7 passer rating in zone coverage tied for 1st. These were his 2025 statistics with a minimum of 300 coverage snaps.
Dallas defense has started off poorly: just two sacks and zero interceptions in three games. They’ve allowed 207.3 passing yards per game this season and are now adding some much-needed help on the back end.
In 2025, with the Steelers, Joey had 52 tackles, 14 passes defended, one interception, and one sack. The Cowboys just got one of the league’s best players.
Pittsburgh never made a serious effort to extend Porter Jr. during the offseason; then they made a last-minute push before the season that went nowhere. They hoped to hide behind their policy of not negotiating during the season, but JPJ wasn’t willing to accept that.
The Steelers ultimately backed themselves into a corner and had no choice but to trade him. In the end, the Cowboys benefit.
What started with moving on from one of the league’s biggest stars has turned into a near-complete makeover of the Cowboys’ defense and roster.Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, and Porter Jr. Pickens remain central to the offense.
Jones did not just make a couple of moves; Dallas has completely rebuilt the franchise. He is not done yet.
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